LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

What cam, please help?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:20 PM
  #1  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default What cam, please help?

I have a 95 trans am

mods:

Pacesetter Long tubes
Hooker Cat back
QTP e-cut out
moroso CAI


I was looking at getting a cam but i dont have too much knowledge on them, tried the search but its down. Is there a place i can read up on them and get some basic info about cams.

Also what are your opinions, im looking for something that is worth putting the time into the instal and will make a nice differecnel but also something that is streetable, its my DD and i like reliable driveability, so let me know thanks!
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 01:52 PM
  #2  
93 blackformy's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
Default

Check this out http://www.z28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79261
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 02:26 PM
  #3  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

alright checked that site out and liked the cc503 cam. My question is would this cam pass smog?


Also, regarding a tune. I dont think anyone here local does tuning on the lt1. So would the mail order madz28 or pcmforless work?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 02:32 PM
  #4  
93 blackformy's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
Default

Yes it will/should pass....yes the mail order tune would work great..good luck

Alot of people runnin that cam and like it

Last edited by 93 blackformy; Nov 26, 2006 at 02:40 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 02:46 PM
  #5  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

they advertise a .510 lift, is this high for an lt1?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 02:47 PM
  #6  
95formulalt1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (13)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 1
From: NH
Default

how much is it?? and u need stall gears????
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 02:48 PM
  #7  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

what else would i need for this to be a complete cam swap?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:32 PM
  #8  
93 blackformy's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
they advertise a .510 lift, is this high for an lt1?
^No...are you a4 or m6
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-5

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
story-9

10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:36 PM
  #9  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

M6

What is the stock lift for an lt1?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:43 PM
  #10  
93 blackformy's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
Default

Check this out also http://www.z28.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58050

Some of these pages are good to save for reference
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:49 PM
  #11  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
what else would i need for this to be a complete cam swap?
Do a couple searches on camaroz28.com, here or even just google.
You'll need gaskets, rtv, oil, assembly lube, springs, retainers, seats, locks, roller rockers and that's just to start.
Most will also recommend lifters, guideplates, pushrods and a new timing chain as well as an electric wp. HAVE FUN!

If I were you, I'd buy a used shortblock and build that with all new bearings and a forged bottom end. Build it slowly with what money you can and use good quality parts. Be patient and that would work out much better in the end.

http://shbox.com/ci/cam_removal.html
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:53 PM
  #12  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

alright well...

im not trying to replace the whole motor here, just going for a cam.

I already know im gonna need the basics like oil, gaskets and such.

I plan on gettin .918's and using stock retainers and stock seats.

Also didnt think i would need lifters at all? and would rockers definitely be necessary?

What size are the stock rockers, because the cam i am looking into shows 1.5 rockers is all that is needed.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:56 PM
  #13  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
alright well...

im not trying to replace the whole motor here, just going for a cam.

I already know im gonna need the basics like oil, gaskets and such.

I plan on gettin .918's and using stock retainers and stock seats.

Also didnt think i would need lifters at all? and would rockers definitely be necessary?

What size are the stock rockers, because the cam i am looking into shows 1.5 rockers is all that is needed.
I just know that plenty of people, including myself have spun bearings after a cam swap and ended up getting a new motor anyways.

You're reading it wrong. That's just giving you the lift numbers with 1.5 rockers. The stock rockers are NOT good enough to handle anything more than the stock cam. They are 1.5 ratio, but they are weak. You need to upgrade them whether you get 1.6 ratio or not. Good 1.6 RR are also proven to get about 10hp increase as well. If you're going to do it half-***, just get the LT4 hotcam kit and be happy.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 03:58 PM
  #14  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

i dont have a problem changing the rockers, i was just wondering.

also what about the waterpump alot of people have recommended that and was wondering if that is indeed necessary as well?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:00 PM
  #15  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
i dont have a problem changing the rockers, i was just wondering.

also what about the waterpump alot of people have recommended that and was wondering if that is indeed necessary as well?
Electric wp will do two things:
1. Free up about 10hp
2. Allow you to use a double roller timing chain which is better than the LT4ed chain and much cheaper.

It's also proven that it doesn't flow as much water at high RPM either, so that's your decision to make.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:02 PM
  #16  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

since this is my DD, do you think that keeping the old wp will be fine and just go with the lt4 chain?
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:03 PM
  #17  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
since this is my DD, do you think that keeping the old wp will be fine and just go with the lt4 chain?
If the old one doesn't have many miles on it, sure it would be fine. Check out the price on the LT4 chain and then decide. haha.
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:10 PM
  #18  
93 blackformy's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
Default

Originally Posted by seawolf06
I just know that plenty of people, including myself have spun bearings after a cam swap and ended up getting a new motor anyways.

You're reading it wrong. That's just giving you the lift numbers with 1.5 rockers. The stock rockers are NOT good enough to handle anything more than the stock cam. They are 1.5 ratio, but they are weak. You need to upgrade them whether you get 1.6 ratio or not. Good 1.6 RR are also proven to get about 10hp increase as well. If you're going to do it half-***, just get the LT4 hotcam kit and be happy.
Right....lift #'s w/that cam is 537/544 with 1.6rr
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:12 PM
  #19  
transam_matt's Avatar
Thread Starter
Teching In
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Default

so i guess the 200 dollar lt4 timing chain is out of question. lol
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2006 | 04:13 PM
  #20  
seawolf06's Avatar
TECH Resident
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 851
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
Default

Originally Posted by transam_matt
so i guess the 200 dollar lt4 timing chain is out of question. lol
So now check the price of the ewp and cloyes double roller for LT1/4. I think you should replace the chain AND gears, no matter what though.
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:50 PM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE